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21
Jan 2022
Last Updated: 21/01/2022
Ripon aims to take control of its markets from Harrogate
Ripon councillors plan to take over the city's ancient market when Harrogate Borough Council ceases to exist in 15 months time. Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams says stall numbers have reduced and the market 'needs an overhaul'.
Ripon City Council has launched a bid to take control of the city's Thursday and Saturday markets.
The ancient markets have been operated by Harrogate Borough Council since local government reorganisation in 1974.
But with Harrogate Borough Council set to be abolished in 15 months, Ripon city councillors have decided to act.
Independent council leader Andrew Williams told the Stray Ferret:
"In recent years stall numbers have reduced and we firmly believe that the market needs an overhaul that will revitalise it.
"We are looking to work in partnerships with other like-minded market towns, such as Knaresborough, as we feel that we can build new working relationships with our neighbours, to deliver better services."
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Ripon City Council has already called for other key assets, including the city’s town hall, Hugh Ripley Hall, Spa Gardens and Spa Park to return to local ownership from Harrogate Borough Council.
It says provisions in the Localism Act, designed to protect assets of community value (ACV), should be used to achieve this prior to the formation of the new North Yorkshire unitary authority next year.
Moves are already underway to retain community use at Spa Baths, after the city council successfully applied in September to have the historic building listed as an ACV.
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